UCLA Bounces Back After Tough Inning to Win NCAA Regional Opener with Walk-Off Victory

Bruin Bombers Triumph in NCAA Regional Opener

In a thrilling display of resilience, the No. 7 UCLA softball team claimed a dramatic 12-11 victory over California Baptist on Friday night during the opening round of the Los Angeles NCAA Regional. Known for their power-hitting prowess, the Bruins, nicknamed the "Bruin Bombers," relied on their offensive firepower to rally from behind and secure the win.

Shortstop Aleena Garcia emerged as the standout player, delivering a crucial sacrifice fly in the seventh inning that brought home Rylee Slimp, sealing the game. The victory was particularly significant, as California Baptist had held an 11-7 lead entering the sixth inning, threatening to dampen UCLA’s postseason aspirations.

“It’s a credit to [associate head] coach Lisa [Fernandez],” said first baseman Jordan Woolery, highlighting the impact of the team’s coaching on their performance. “Her offensive coaching style has changed how we’ve all played this year, and you can see it [batters] one through nine.”

The Bruins faced significant challenges during the fifth inning, where defensive errors combined with pitching missteps led to California Baptist scoring ten runs. Starting pitcher Taylor Tinsley struggled, allowing eight runs before being replaced by Brynne Nally, who conceded a two-run homer before the Bruins finally halted the inning.

“That was not a typical Taylor Tinsley game, and I know she will bounce back,” coach Kelly Inouye-Perez commented on the pitcher’s performance.

UCLA regrouped in the sixth inning, scoring two runs, and Joylna Lamar’s two-run home run in the seventh ignited their comeback. Slimp’s timely single, followed by strategic walks issued to UCLA stars Megan Grant and Woolery, set the stage for Garcia’s decisive fly ball.

Inouye-Perez reflected on the leadership of Grant and Woolery, noting their ability to remain calm and contribute significantly to the team’s success. “We already had our senior banquet and had a lot of tears,” she said. “But taking the responsibility to be the ones to carry the team and come through in big moments, these two have done it together.”

With a season record of 48-8, UCLA is poised to face South Carolina on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Easton Stadium. The two teams have met previously this season, with UCLA narrowly winning 5-4 in February. Inouye-Perez has not yet announced the starting pitcher for the upcoming matchup.

In related action, Cal State Fullerton fell to South Carolina with a score of 7-4, despite holding a one-run lead in the fifth inning. South Carolina’s Quincee Lilio hit a pivotal three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth, helping to secure their victory in the tournament opener.